What I Wish I Knew before Attending College out of State: Tips for a Smooth Transition

Deciding to attend an out-of-state college is a big decision. Whether you’re excited about exploring a new city, chasing fresh opportunities, or craving independence, moving away from home can be exciting and intimidating.

My name is Madison Coombs, and I am a senior now at St. John’s University, earning my Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations. Looking back, I wish I had known a few things before taking the leap from my home in Maryland to the Queens, NY, campus. If you’re considering college far from home, here are some tips to help make the transition easier.

5 Lessons I Learned from Attending College out of State

1. Understand the True Cost of College before You Commit.

Going to an out-of-state college usually costs more than staying in state. But don’t worry—plenty of scholarships and grants are available to help ease the financial burden.

When I started my college search, I had my heart set on St. John’s University’s New York locations. It quickly became apparent how much more I’d pay in tuition and living costs. If I could do it all again, I would apply for even more scholarships. St. John’s offers a variety of scholarships, such as Catholic Scholarships and service awards, to help students succeed.

2. Think about How Often You’ll Be Able to Visit Home. 

Traveling back home can be tiring, especially when your college is far away. Consider how you’ll get home and factor in that travel time when deciding. The commute from St. John’s to my hometown could take about four to five hours. At first, I didn’t fully grasp how that would affect my plans to visit family and friends.

My best advice is to book trips in advance. You can often snag better prices, making it easier to coordinate your visits.

3. Homesickness Will Hit Hard, but Can Be Overcome.

Nearly every out-of-state college student experiences homesickness, which can hit even harder when you’re far away. It can feel like a rollercoaster, depending on how busy your week is. To cope, I keep in touch with friends and family and plan visits during breaks. While video calls can’t replace the real thing, hearing familiar voices helps until you can reunite.

4. Joining Clubs and Campus Activities Helps You Find Your People.

Going to an out-of-state college means entering new experiences and meeting a new group of friends. You can jump into campus activities, join clubs, or connect with classmates to make connections. During my first year at St. John’s, I got involved in as many activities as possible. This helped me connect with diverse groups of people. I recommend checking out campus clubs or Greek life to build friendships that can last a lifetime.

St. John’s has many clubs and organizations, so you’re bound to find something that interests you!

5. Make the Most of the Career Opportunities in Your New City.

The location of your university plays a significant role in your internship and job prospects. Consider whether you’d prefer a suburban campus or the hustle and bustle of a city. 

For me, New York City has been the perfect place for college. It’s opened countless opportunities for internships and networking, especially with my passion for fashion. Being here has allowed me to attend events and find internships that align with my career goals.

Related: Read my blog post on “8 Game-Changing Lessons from My Experience as a PR and Social Media Remote Intern.”

Why Going out of State Is Worth It

Attending an out-of-state university can be challenging, but the experiences you gain are truly priceless! Moving far from home forces you out of your comfort zone, pushing you to grow in ways that staying close might not. Living in a new city or state brings unique opportunities to meet diverse people, explore different cultures, and experience a fresh lifestyle that broadens your perspective.

Stories from Other College Students Who Took the Leap

As I’ve connected with other students on campus, I quickly realized I'm not alone in my journey! Here are some insights from fellow students who, like me, took the plunge and chose to attend college out of state:

Taylor Evans, Pharmacy major
Hometown: Maryland

“The biggest adjustment I faced while away from home was not having an in-person support system. St. John’s helped by offering many organizations like the R.I.S.E. Network that foster a sense of support. These organizations are always promoted and accessible to students seeking a home away from home!”

Jaryd Miles Buendia, Biology major, minoring in Chemistry and Business Analytics
Hometown: California 

 “One of the first significant challenges I had when I began college out of state was finding community and immersive experiences. As a native Californian, I was hesitant to leave campus since everything was new to me—the culture, food options, public transit, and more. I valued St. John’s for the many opportunities it offered to experience portions of each facet of New York. There were numerous student organizations and opportunities to network and seek new relationships. 

Beyond that, programs by Campus Activities and experiences like Discover New York were integral to exposing me to new places and the best spots to share photos and food reviews with my family. Looking back, I believe anyone beginning college, especially from out of state, should take the time to explore every opportunity and try to commit to something. It’s the first step toward growing within a community and later contributing to your advancement.”

Oscar Monge, Biomedical Sciences major

Hometown: Westbury, NY

 "One of the hardest adjustments I faced when coming to St. John’s was making new friends and building meaningful relationships. In high school, you become comfortable in your environment, and everyone knows you. However, at St. John’s, it feels like a small fish in a big pond. I realized I needed to branch out and find my community.

Through clubs and organizations such as the Latin American Student Organization (LASO), Campus Ministry, and New Student Orientation, I was able to cultivate connections and create lasting friendships. I feel blessed to be on the path I am now, and I sincerely thank the St. John’s community for their support."

Abryanna Colinet, Criminal Justice–Forensic Psychology major
Hometown: Houston, Texas 

“The biggest adjustment I faced when starting college out of state was making new friends with the new norms I experienced in New York and juggling being so far from some friends and family who stayed behind. St. John’s University helped improve it through classes like first-year seminars, social events through clubs, and even with class and roommate setups.”